Passing these empty "spot" or "shell" bills traditionally sets
the stage for the final budget down the road. The bills are
amended when a deal is struck. Until recently, both parties
were in on those negotiations because a budget required a
two-thirds vote. But now, Proposition 25 lets majority
Democrats act alone - and Republicans see red flags.
Assemblyman Jim Nielsen says Democrats will use those bills to make
major budget and policy decisions at the last minute - with no time
for Republicans, or the public, to review.
Nielsen: "It is a gross perversion of
the legislative process, and a disgrace to the entire
institution."
Democrats say it's Republicans who aren't taking the process
seriously by skipping budget hearings and signing a "no tax"
pledge.
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Republicans Criticize Budget "Shell" Game
-
By
Ben Adler
CPR file photo/Andrew Nixon
California lawmakers have approved nearly 80 separate budget bills that don’t contain any actual budgeting.
Listen now:
Thursday, March 22, 2012
It's been a common practice over the last decade. But
now, with their votes no longer necessary to pass a spending plan,
Republicans are objecting.